WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida
Mote Marine Laboratory Relocates Hundreds of Marine Animals to New $130M Facility
By CODY JACKSON , FREIDA FRISARO
October 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM EDT
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's new 146,000 square foot facility just east of Sarasota opened to the public this week (Oct. 8).
The new Mote Science Education Aquarium is 14 miles inland in Lakewood Ranch, and features more than 1 million gallons of living ocean exhibits.
Mote's Associate Vice President Evan Barniskis describes the new space and the arduous task of transporting marine life to a new home.
The new Mote Science Education Aquarium is 14 miles inland in Lakewood Ranch, and features more than 1 million gallons of living ocean exhibits.
Mote's Associate Vice President Evan Barniskis describes the new space and the arduous task of transporting marine life to a new home.